Yannick Ngakoue

Yannick Ngakoue Bio

Yannick Ngakoue is an American professional football linebacker who has competed in the National Football League since 2016. Born in Washington, D.C., he played college football at the University of Maryland where he set a school single-season record with 13.5 sacks in 2015. The Jacksonville Jaguars selected him in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, and he has since established himself as one of the league’s most productive pass rushers with 70.5 career sacks. Ngakoue has played for eight different franchises during his career, including two stints with the Baltimore Ravens, and earned Pro Bowl honors following his 2017 season with Jacksonville.

Early Life and Background

Yannick Ngakoue was born on March 31, 1995, in Washington, D.C., to a Cameroonian father and a mother from Martinique. He attended Friendship Collegiate Academy Public Charter School in Washington, D.C., where he played alongside future NFL player Eddie Goldman. As a senior, Ngakoue earned Gatorade Football Player of the Year honors for Washington, D.C., after recording 17 sacks during the season.

Ngakoue was regarded as a highly-touted prospect coming out of high school. Rivals.com rated him as a four-star recruit and ranked him as the fourth-best outside linebacker in his class. His impressive high school performance attracted scholarship offers from multiple major college programs, and he ultimately chose to continue his football career at the University of Maryland.

Path to the NFL

Ngakoue arrived at the University of Maryland in 2013 as a true freshman and made an immediate impact. He appeared in all 13 games, recording nine tackles, two sacks, and an interception during his debut season. His sophomore year saw increased production, as he started all 12 games and accumulated 37 tackles with six sacks while demonstrating his ability to disrupt opposing backfields.

His junior season in 2015 proved to be his breakout campaign. Ngakoue set the Maryland single-season school record with 13.5 sacks, showcasing his elite pass-rushing abilities and earning First-team All-Big Ten honors. His dominant performance convinced him to forgo his senior season and enter the 2016 NFL Draft, where professional scouts viewed him as one of the top defensive prospects available.

Yannick Ngakoue Career

Jacksonville Jaguars (2016–2019)

The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Yannick Ngakoue in the third round with the 69th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year, $3.48 million contract in June 2016 and quickly worked his way into the starting lineup. After backing up Dante Fowler during training camp, Ngakoue earned his first NFL start in Week 2 against the San Diego Chargers, where he recorded his first career sack on Philip Rivers and forced his first fumble. He finished his rookie season with 22 combined tackles, eight sacks, two pass deflections, an interception, and a forced fumble in 16 games with 15 starts. His eight sacks broke the Jaguars rookie record previously held by Tony Brackens, and he earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors.

The 2017 season marked Ngakoue’s emergence as one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers. He started all 16 games and recorded 30 combined tackles with a league-leading 12 sacks and six forced fumbles. His performance helped the Jaguars finish 10-6 and win the AFC South division, earning him his first Pro Bowl selection as an injury replacement for teammate Calais Campbell. Jacksonville’s defense, featuring Ngakoue alongside Campbell and newly acquired Marcell Dareus, became known as “Sacksonville” for their dominant pass rush. In the playoffs, he recorded four tackles and a sack before the Jaguars fell to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.

Ngakoue’s 2018 and 2019 seasons showed continued production despite team struggles. In 2018, he recorded 9.5 sacks and 28 total tackles as Jacksonville finished 5-11. His 2019 campaign saw him record eight sacks, 41 total tackles, four forced fumbles, and his first career interception returned for a touchdown. However, the team finished 6-10, and Ngakoue publicly requested a trade in March 2020, expressing he would not play for Jacksonville again. The Jaguars placed the franchise tag on him, and after a public dispute with ownership, he was traded.

Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens (2020)

Ngakoue’s 2020 season became a journey through three different teams. On August 31, 2020, the Jaguars traded him to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for draft picks. He made his Vikings debut in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts, recording a sack on Philip Rivers. By Week 4 against the Houston Texans, he had registered two sacks on Deshaun Watson. However, his tenure in Minnesota lasted only weeks before another trade.

The Baltimore Ravens acquired Ngakoue on October 22, 2020, sending a third-round pick to Minnesota. Reuniting him with former Jaguars teammate Calais Campbell, Ngakoue made his Ravens debut in Week 11 against the Tennessee Titans, recording a sack on Ryan Tannehill. His most memorable performance came in Week 15 against his former team, the Jaguars, where he recorded two sacks including a strip sack on Gardner Minshew during a 40-14 victory.

Las Vegas Raiders (2021)

On March 19, 2021, Ngakoue signed a two-year, $26 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. He quickly established himself as a key piece of their defensive line, leading the team in sacks during the 2021 season. In Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles, he recorded four tackles, two sacks, and two passes defensed in a 33-22 victory, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. The season marked his first double-digit sack campaign since 2017, demonstrating his continued ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks at a high level.

Indianapolis Colts (2022)

Ngakoue joined the Indianapolis Colts on March 16, 2022, via trade for cornerback Rock Ya-Sin. He started 15 games during the 2022 season, recording 29 tackles, a forced fumble, and a team-leading 9.5 sacks. His performance placed him among the league’s top pass rushers once again. However, his season ended prematurely when he was placed on injured reserve with a throat injury on December 31, 2022.

Chicago Bears (2023)

On August 3, 2023, Ngakoue signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the Chicago Bears. He started 13 games before suffering a broken ankle in Week 14 that ended his season. He finished the 2023 campaign with four sacks and 22 total tackles in 13 games, an injury-shortened year that limited his production.

Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots (2024)

Ngakoue returned to the Baltimore Ravens on September 24, 2024, signing with their practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster for Week 6 against the Washington Commanders and recorded a sack of Jayden Daniels in the 30-23 victory. The Ravens signed him to the active roster on October 15, but he was waived on November 7. The New England Patriots claimed him off waivers on November 8, 2024. He was released by the Patriots on December 31, 2024. In the 2024 season, Ngakoue finished with 1.5 sacks and 14 total tackles across 11 games with both teams.

Playing Style and Strengths

Ngakoue is known for his relentless pass-rushing ability and his talent for creating turnovers. His speed-to-power ratio allows him to beat offensive tackles with both speed rushes around the edge and physical power moves inside. He has demonstrated a consistent ability to force fumbles, leading the NFL with six forced fumbles during his 2017 Pro Bowl season. His instincts for the ball and strip-sack ability make him a valuable asset in clutch situations. Throughout his career, he has shown the versatility to play both defensive end in 4-3 schemes and linebacker in 3-4 alignments, fitting various defensive systems.

Notable Events and Milestones

Ngakoue’s career has been highlighted by several significant achievements and dramatic moments. His eight-sack rookie season broke the Jaguars franchise record and earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. The 2017 season stands as his career year, when his 12 sacks and league-leading six forced fumbles helped Jacksonville reach the AFC Championship Game and earned him Pro Bowl honors. His 67-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in 2017 showcased his ability to make game-changing plays. He has accumulated 70.5 career sacks and 21 forced fumbles, demonstrating consistent high-level production throughout his NFL journey.

Yannick Ngakoue Career Statistics

Throughout his NFL career spanning eight seasons with eight different franchises, Ngakoue has established himself as a productive pass rusher with exceptional ability to force turnovers. His career totals reflect his consistent impact in disrupting opposing offenses.

Family

Family Background

Ngakoue was born in Washington, D.C., to a Cameroonian father and a Martiniquais mother. His multicultural background reflects his international roots, with family connections to both Cameroon and Martinique. This heritage has contributed to his unique name and identity within the football community.

Personal Life

Ngakoue maintains a presence on social media, where he connects with fans through his Instagram account. He continues to reside in the United States while pursuing his professional football career. As a Washington, D.C., native, he remains connected to his hometown region throughout his NFL journey.

2025 Season Outlook

As Ngakoue enters the 2025 season, he remains a free agent seeking his next opportunity in the NFL. His career has been characterized by versatility and consistent production when healthy, with 67.5 career sacks across multiple franchises. At 30 years old, he still possesses the speed and pass-rushing skills that made him a productive NFL player. His ability to fit into various defensive schemes and contribute immediately makes him an attractive option for teams seeking veteran pass-rush help. Whether he signs with a contender looking for defensive line depth or a rebuilding team seeking leadership, Ngakoue’s track record suggests he can still impact the game at a high level when given the opportunity.